My Brother's Keeper

"He ain't heavy, he's my brother"

Before Joshua was born, I had a vision, of sorts. My mental picture was of Micah and Joshua carrying Ethan between them, him sitting on their arms, which were locked together. What that vision spoke to my heart was that his brothers would be there for him, in ways that I couldn't be, to carry him through his life... one on each side, each filling a different need.

I am seeing this vision unfolding.  Micah is now 14, Ethan is nearly 12, and Joshua is 9 1/2.
I have called Micah "my right hand man". He is that and more. He is my second pair of arms, my second pair of eyes. More and more I depend on him to lift Ethan out of his bed, or into his wheelchair, or stand with him in the bathroom. After long, sleepless nights, adjusting Ethan in his bed, I am often weak and weary during the day. Allowing Micah to do more, reserves my energy and strength for dressing, feeding and general hygiene care and therapy. When there is a urgent situation which requires a quick response, I can count on Micah to be there, reacting appropriately.  He knows how to protect Ethan from aspirating vomit. He is a calm, strong attendant in times of seizure activity. He can bring Ethan to his senses when he's being extra "neurological".  


Joshua astounds me with his maturity. In a way, he did not have the pleasure of being the baby of the family. He forfeited some of his babyhood, since those early years had me incredibly preoccupied with a toddler that required constant attention. In those days, it took me over an hour to feed Ethan. His seizures came in sessions which lasted 2-3 hours, and sometimes this would occur more than once a day. Much of my parenting  was done from Ethan's bedside, and through the older siblings.  And, yet, with all of this, I have never detected even a hint of bitterness on Joshua's part. No "acting out", as some might expect. He is compassionate, sympathetic, capable. And, he loves and cares for Ethan.


I cannot see what the future holds. Except for this...Ethan has brothers who are not afraid to be his "keepers".